Sunsets are a thing of beauty… Even your, everyday, ho-hum sunset.., is a sight to be seen. They have a way of.., just stopping time… Transporting you to somewhere, far off… Replacing the daily grind, with a brief moment of clarity. And they do this, all over the world, at a certain time, everyday. Yes, everyday, they grace us, with their presence.., and their magic.
Im a New Yorker.., and as such, it is pretty easy, here in the City, to not pay too much attention to sunsets -- always rushing around, bumping into people with their heads buried in their smartphones, dodging taxi cabs… All kinds of reasons, to never give a sunset a second glance… But, if you are lucky enough.., to look up, at a certain time of day, and catch one of these things of beauty -- it will stop you in your tracks.
One thing we do have here in Manhattan, which is quite the phenomenon.., is Manhattanhenge… This is when the setting Sun aligns precisely with the Manhattan street grid, creating a radiant glow of light across Manhattan's brick and steel canyons, simultaneously illuminating both the north and south sides of every cross street of the grid, creating a surreal sunset. A rare and beautiful sight, only occurring twice per year.
It was much of the same, when I lived in Los Angeles… Driving from Malibu into LA, along highway 1 (PCH), can be quite long slow slog, in the middle of rush hour. But to my surprise, instead of honking their horns, getting frustrated at the amount of traffic.., as is most driver's first reaction… What I noticed, very early on, in my time spent out west -- people pulling off the road on to the shoulder, a little alcove carved in the side of the road… Getting out of their cars, whether it be a fancy porsche or beat-up olds -- getting out, abandoning their daily trek.., and staring out over the ocean, soaking in another stunning, postcard-esque sunset. Admiring, the beauty.., the peace it is able to instill…
Happiness is a Swedish sunset; it is there for all, but most of us look the other way and lose it. -- Mark Twain
I was always told that those really pretty sunsets, with colors you never imagined.., were caused by nasty pollution, aerosols and even gas fumes from the local airports. It seemed, like common knowledge, that the nastiest of elements were the cause of such magnificence. It's amazing what us humans will believe when something is said with a certain confidence… But it never sat quite right with me -- it never, really.., rang true. And with a little digging, some poking around… What I found, to my utter joy was, this is just a myth.
For those glorious, elegant colors in the sky… Are only dulled or hidden by these dirty little askewed facts of pure fiction… It is only in the cleanest of air, the purity of the sky, can these beauties from the heavens, shine through…
It is almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream. -- Bernard Williams
You see, it's all very scientific.., and certainly beyond my grasp, as a sheer observer. But from what I can garner… It has something to do with a term called "scattering" -- the reflection or re-direction of light by small particles. And then, you take into consideration the normal spectrum of colors of sunlight -- violets and blues to oranges and reds.., add in some wavelengths and some that "scattering" effect. Also, at sunrise and sunset, sunlight takes a much longer path through the atmosphere, this results in a greater amount of violet and blue light being "scattered" and by the time reaches us, the lucky observers, it has reddened.
All very technical, like I said… But you could say -- sunsets are red because the daytime sky is blue.
Sunsets have a way of soothing our souls… Replacing doubt, with hope. They sneak-up on us everyday and grace us with their beauty.., yet we are always surprised with the glory they imbibe upon us… There is no doubt, people lead crazy, stress filled lives.., and have a million things going through their minds, at once. But, if we just take the time, to stop, look up.., and relish in the magic of what is a sunset… They have the ability to ease your weary mind and brighten the darkest of days. After all, it just takes a few minutes -- and Im sure there is one coming your way, today!
REFERENCE: The Colors of Sunset and Twilight
Beautiful work my friend. Followed & upvoted. I think you will enjoy my work. I take it to the next level :) https://steemit.com/photography/@samstonehill/steemit-exclusive-time-lapse-of-the-week-1-surreal-mammatus-cloud-formations-above-ubud-bali
Thanks @samstonehill, I appreciate it! Just checked out your post.., and all I can say is, WOW!
There is something mystical about the golden hue of sunlight at twilight. This time of the year in my part of the world (US/Upper Midwest) I'm usually outside during twilight in the morning and at night walking the dog. A very inspirational post, @macksby!
Two amazing times of day to soak-up all that magic... Thanks @ericvancewalton. CHEERS!
@macksby I love sunset, I could sit on the beach on summer vacations just to watch it slowly go down and create colorful tones in the sky.
When I was young, we lived 10 minutes near the sea, my whole extended family would sometimes go watch the sun set on the shore. I miss those times ...
I've witnessed many families enjoying the same... I envy your memories. Cheers!
@macksby - those were the good old days - we may never experience again unfortunately. Some of them have rested in peace and the ones who are still alive have somehow broken the bond that used to tie us very close together.
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Love a sunset!
dubloon135
I hear that @dubloon... CHEERS!
Sunsets on my shoulders, makes me happy... : -)
Couldn't agree more @darthnava :))
Fantasitic views @macksby !
Thanks @cynetyc... They really are a thing of beauty! We've got a pretty nice going, right now, in NYC. CHEERS!
Interesting post! And I lived in Los Angeles for years and frequent NYC, so I can imagine both scenarios as well :)
Thanks @storyseeker... 2 completely different worlds, huh?
Watching sunsets help with healing, thanks for the reminder.
No doubt about it @mumslittlesecret!
Love the pictures of the blue and purple sky @macksby! When trying to decompress from the day, it is if the sunset can bring you down a notch with each inch of decent. Awesome.
They certainly, do help with that whole decompression thing @nightowl25. Thanks for the comment. CHEERS!
Fantastic
CHEERS!
"Manhattan's brick and steel canyons" Beautiful, @macksby. That's what they are. So true about sunsets. They do bring about interactions that may not otherwise occur. People are nicer when they congregate to watch the sun set; the atmosphere is contagious.
You speak the truth @fairytalelife... It is near impossible, for your better self to not shine through in there presence. A contagion, we all should welcome...